Letter to the Church (10 Years at Abundant Life Tabernacle)

Pastor’s often wonder if they are really making a difference.  Week after week we preach, teach, counsel, console, guide, guard, hold accountable, seek God, study, pray... and so on, and each week we wonder if we are being fruitful. Sometimes months, then years, go by without much visible progress and frankly it is often disheartening.

I know it’s the same for you too sometimes, pastor or not.  If we truly are in pursuit of God, we all desire good fruit that is visible to others and we all want to see progress in our own walk with the Lord.  We don’t necessarily desire it be visible for prides sake, but for ‘measurable progress’s sake’.

My family and I have been at Abundant Life for ten years, this month.  If I look at where I thought we would be by now, I will be discouraged.  If I look at where I wish we were as a church, I might be discouraged.  If I look at where I feel God wants to take us together, and we are still not there by the way, I might be discouraged. I actually have battled discouragement numerous times.  However, I have to look at how far we’ve come and if we are still progressing.

So, how far have we come in ten years?  I think we’ve come a long way.  (Please understand as I share this, that I am bragging on God, not me or even us.) Ten years ago this church was hurting.  There had been a church split previously that had left lots of wounded people, many people not attending anywhere.  There were only a handful of people who were still faithful members at ALT.  From the stories and the attendance sheets of those days, probably only about 25 to 35 people were regularly in attendance, down from 400 or 500 at one point.  There was a mortgage for this ‘multi-million dollar facility’, that was extremely reasonable but still a huge burden on the few still here.  There was very little reserve in the account to support a pastor and his family. There was a small worship team and no musicians, so worship was done by soundtracks. The church had been without a pastor for around 15 months. And honestly, the name of the church seemed synonymous with the trouble of the past.

There was a great core group of people here though, and a real desire to endure even in hardship.  There was a greenhorn pastor, and family, who was willing to risk everything to step out on faith even though, we knew if God didn't meet us, we were in very big trouble. There had been great words spoken over the church about greatness still to come. Words like: “This house will be a ‘hospital’ for the hurting, where people will come and be healed and will go back out to minister” or “This place will be a place of great fruit and will be an example to the whole region” or “Worship will lead the way (into the move of God).”

Ten years after God called us here, things are still progressing.  We still have a long way to go, as a church, to reach our full potential, but those words are coming to pass. Consistently people are coming here, being healed and returning to ministry, albeit, often elsewhere.  Light Our City among other outreaches that began in this church, have impacted and united churches in our region, and are continuing to be the example to the body of Christ here and even overseas. Our worship, while constantly in spiritual warfare, has expanded to become a potential powerhouse, or perhaps a ‘powder keg’, just on the verge of a major spiritual breakthrough which has the potential to lead us far deeper into His presence.  It consists of passionate and talented worshipers and musicians who do all they do for His glory!

Many of those wounded people from years past have been, and still are being, healed. Our congregation has grown back up to about 200 members, with an average Sunday attendance of about 150. Most of that core group is still here, but the majority of the congregation are those who God has brought here within the last ten years.

Several years ago, we paid off that mortgage too and have done many updates to the facility including a new roof, repaired the parking lot, several newly replaced A/C units, and now we are upgrading our sound board and updating our look in several areas. We are sending the gospel of Jesus around the world on podcasts and in mission efforts.

Here though, is where it’s clear how much God has moved…  Instead of having a name that was once seemingly synonymous with ‘trouble’, we have become known as a church who loves, and forgives, and reaches after the heart of God and the souls of men.

On a personal note, don’t look at where you wish you were, but where you are now allowing God to take you. It’s a journey. Hang in there… be faithful! We are making a difference as a church, there is fruit for our labor, and you will see the same on a personal level, if you don’t give up. (See Gal. 6:9)  

Love Hurts, But Love Anyway

My youngest daughter Lauren came home really down yesterday. One of her best friends from school, and the soccer team, told her that she didn't want to be friends anymore. At about the same age, 14, Lindsey went through a similar thing too.  (Oh the joys of raising emotional teenage girls! Haha!)  Things later worked out well for Lindsey and her friend, and they are great friends still today.  I expect they will work out for Lauren and her friend too, but time will tell.

We've probably all been there. This scenario is not specific to only teenage girls.  Sometimes people leave. Sometimes people hurt us. Sometimes in their pain, people cause us pain. It's usually not intentional, but that doesn't make the sense of rejection feel any better.

As a pastor, I've felt it over and over. As a matter of fact, it seems that nearly each time someone leaves the church where God has placed me to shepherd, I feel that sense of rejection. In some cases it's severe, in other cases it may be milder, but that's directly related to how close that person and I had become over the years. I know that it isn't always personal, usually it's not, but it still feels that way.  Sure there are exceptions, such as, if God has called someone into a new ministry and they are leaving to step in to that calling.  There's joy in that! There is a sense of purpose and accomplishment and we bless their commitment to ministry and to God!  Yet in most cases, people leave because they are looking for something different than what they are receiving, they are offended, they are seeking a position that isn't available, or a host of other reasons.

Here's the thing, I really value relationships. I really value each person. If you know me, I hope that's evident.  I also really take my calling in God seriously. The Word says that church leaders, (pastors, elders) 'keep watch over your souls'  (Hebrews 13:17).  That is extremely serious to me.  So, for two very substantial reasons it hurts me when people pull away.

Over the course of my ten years as pastor I've seen hundreds come, and hundreds go.  If you don't choose to release those feelings associated with that though, it will begin to feel personal. Honestly, if you focus too much on people's actions it will put you in a downward spiral. It will cause bitterness. It will make you harden.

So, it's not only teenage girls that feel hurt by friendships. I know it's not only pastors either. I'm sure you have experienced similar things.

Here's my point. Love hurts, but love anyway. People will leave you, some will hurt you unintentionally, some will betray you and bring pain just for spite... But choose to love anyway. Don't let the actions of others make you hard.  Forgive, and although you might not literally forget it, stop holding it against them.  It isn't always easy, but love is always worth it. When we love, in spite of how it is returned, that's when we are most Christlike. Sure, love hurts... but love anyway.

Your Eternal Significance

If your life is to really ever count for anything, eternally speaking, you must live it for Christ.  There are no other options.  Matt. 25:31-44 reveals the importance of every action here on Earth, in relation to its eternal significance.  It tells us of the day of judgment, as the Lord reminds those whom He judges what they did, or didn’t, do for Him. Things as seemingly insignificant as giving water to one in thirst, are mentioned (Please read it.).

I'm reminded of a quote from a poem by C.T. Studd... "Only one life, it will soon be past; Only what's done for Christ will last." The Apostle Paul said, "To live is Christ, to die is gain.” One minister put it this way, “If for me to live is money – then to die is loss. If for me to live is self – then to die is loss. If for me to live is ambition – then to die is loss. If for me to live is sin – then to die is loss…But if for me to live is Christ, then to die is GAIN!”

Great men and women of God in the Bible, and all down through history, have known this truth and lived it.  So often today, we know that our actions have eternal significance but don’t live like it.  There is great opportunity for you this summer.  Light Our City is not just a one day event this year, but a two month endeavor.  It gives you lots of chances to get out of ‘self’, and serve the Lord by serving others.  If you aren’t already, will you please consider where YOU might plug in to serve someone else? 

God is aware of our actions, and they reflect our souls condition.  He’s taking notes and He is pleased when we deny ourselves and follow Him.  Salvation is free, praise God, but discipleship will cost you!  

What are you doing this summer that has eternal significance?

- Pastor Jerry

Here is an excerpt from that poem written by C.T.Sudd:

...Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, “twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say,”Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life,’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.”

- C.T Studd

Passionless Complacent Christianity

Have you ever been disillusioned? I'm sure you have. We have all had hopes that of been crushed, or even expectations that didn't come to pass. The Word of God says, hope deferred makes the heart sick. Many, if not all of us, have been 'heart sick' with disillusionment. 

Disillusionment brings with it lots of other things with it too. One of those things is a discouragement. Discouragement sometimes then develops into a loss of passion, and before long that loss of passion slips into complacency.

That's where most Christians seem to live, in passionless complacency.  It’s easy to get there for sure, but not so easy to pull out of.  I, for one, am sick of the status quo. I long for more!  I can't seem to be satisfied with a life of no passion, and it seems that’s all I see around me.  If we do have passion, it’s often for things other than God or His kingdom. Where is the church’s passion for Christ?  Where is our passion for lost souls?  Why are we settling for passionless lives and hearts sick with disillusionment?

The other day at a soccer game I heard a group of parents talking passionately about sports at their children’s schools.  One woman became so enraged that she couldn’t concentrate on the current game that was taking place, because she was focused on a scenario that had played out for someone else’s child at a different school. 

Isn’t that like us?  Sitting on the sidelines, no interest in the current game, certainly not personally involved in the game, and passionately complaining about something that doesn’t really even concern us?  I think it is. I also think that, in the Christian life, it’s a trick of the enemy to draw us away from what’s important right now.

So how can we shake this complacent nature we’ve allowed into our lives and into our church?  How can we once again regain the passion that drives us to accomplish God’s purpose and God’s vision for us?  How can we shake the disappointments in people, ourselves, or even in unanswered prayers?

Disillusionment most often comes when we feel let down by someone else or even by our own abilities. It’s a sure sign we are looking to the wrong things or to the wrong person for fulfillment.  I believe the cure for disillusionment, brings with it the cure for loss of passion. So then, we need to find the cure for disillusionment.

It happens that we will lose our complacency, and regain our passion, when our focus is shifted off of everything else but God. All of our failures, all of our crushed dreams, all of the people that have let us down, cannot continue to be our focus.  God must be our focus, our life!  He never fails!  He never lets us down.

The cure for passionless complacent Christianity happens when we allow the Holy Spirit to ‘revive’ us, and animate us for His purpose, and stop pursuing our own purposes.  It happens when we stop sitting on the sidelines complaining about what someone else is doing, and get in the game ourselves. 

I for one am tired of passionless Christianity. I’m tired of disillusionment. I’m tired of complacent Christians.  And... I’m certainly tired of all of those things in me. 

In this “Year of Pursuit.”  If you’ve let up on seeking God and started looking to other things for any kind of fulfillment, change that focus back to Him because we need a revival of passion in the church.

This Little Light of Mine...

Matthew 5:14-16 is a very well known passage of scripture.  Because of familiarity though, we sometimes read and just passed right over it.  This passage says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl (or bushel). Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

This is a very exciting scripture!  Jesus says that we are the light of the world.  We know that He was the light while He was here on Earth as He stated in John 8:12, but He says that WE ARE now the light of the world.  Yet, what are the implications of His statement? 

Well if we are truly the light, and with this world as dark as it now is, we should be shining brightly and with purpose! Verse 15 tells us that people don’t put a lamp under something to hide it’s light. On the contrary, they put it ‘on a stand’ so that all may see by its light. Our light shouldn’t be hidden, but placed on display so that all may see. 

I’m not saying put your life on display so that others may see ‘you’. Certainly some have done that and have exalted themselves.  That’s clearly not what Jesus intended. Yet we are instructed to let our lives shine ‘before men’.  We should put our lives on display in such a way, that our deeds point others to Christ. 

The scripture says a lamp is placed “on a stand”. Our jobs, our ministries, our outreach efforts, even the raising of families, among other things, can be stands that lift up the light in us to display it to the world.  What platform has God given you to shine His light in? Whether you see it as big or small, we all have some area of influence. Has he given you that influence, that lamp stand so to speak, so that the world might see you, or that you might show the world Jesus?

We are often given great opportunities to let our light shine personally and corporately. Let's use whatever venue, to place the light of Christ in us firmly atop it’s stand so that others might see Him in us.  I believe with all of my heart this is God’s desire for us as His church, in our local fellowships and in this community.  Shine now!  In your home.  In your work place.  At your child’s soccer game.  Walking your dog down the street. At the neighborhood yard sale.  You can display Jesus! Let us set His light atop it’s stand, and let His light shine in our communities!

Your light may seem insignificant to you, but it certainly isn’t to God. Even the smallest light can be seen from the greatest distances in the dark. So shine today! This world around us is so dark, who knows, your light might be seen around the world!

Cry Out To Jesus

In Luke chapter 18 verses 35 to 43 there's a story of a blind man who cried out "Jesus thou Son of David have mercy on me!" 

The Bible tells us that Jesus heard him and stopped. Then he had the man brought before him and He asked the man "What would you have me to do for you?"

The man said "That I might receive my sight."  Jesus healed him and the man followed Him praising God.

I was reading that this morning and noticed the phrase "and Jesus stopped" some version say "Jesus stood still." Then it says that "Jesus had the man brought before Him."

Don't be afraid to cry out to Jesus, no matter what your situation. Our cries can stop Him in his tracks! His word also says that "His ears are ever open to the cries of the righteous." 

Jesus is listening for your cry today. Cry out to Jesus! Your cries may cause Him to stop and take notice. And then even greater, He may bring you before His presence!

In His presence there is fullness of joy! In His presence is where we find healing. In His presence is where we find restoration. In His presence is where our needs are met. In His presence even those who were once blind, can look upon his face!

I Asked the Lord to Teach Me To Love...

As I was praying today I believe the Lord revealed something to me.  It was pretty profound, to me at least. While praying, I told the Lord that I love Him, but I also asked that He teach me to love Him more.  And right then, the Lord really quickened my spirit. 'We 'don't even know how to love Him.' 

As I prayed I realized, we've been taught to love the things of this world. Even though it may have been taught to us unintentionally, it was taught. We know how to be affectionate toward this world.  It comes naturally, because we are in the flesh. We can look at our own lives and see that it's true... But we need to be taught how to love God.

That's when I felt that I heard the Lord say, "Love is surrender."   Pure, simple, easily understood… “Love is surrender.”  Clearly, God was teaching me to love Him. 

I try to show my love to Him in many different ways.  I pray, and try to submit my will to His. I try hard to be a godly example to the people in my life.  I read His Word, sometimes just because I know I need it.  I offer the very best praise I can muster, on a regular basis.  And none of that is bad, but God said, “Love is surrender.”

So, I began thinking about this statement, and it seems so foreign to us.  Because of our teaching, we are programmed to look at everything through the eyes of flesh.  So, we may see love as a completely different thing. We are not taught to surrender. On the contrary, we are taught to stay on guard or to even conquer. 

When you’ve lived a little while, you know that if you don’t guard yourself from others, you will often end up hurting. So when we love, we put conditions on it.  Sometimes, because of our tendency to guard ourselves or even as we try to gain control of situations, or people, we find that we have caused hurt ourselves.  I believe we often, wrongly, carry this ideology into our relationships. If we aren’t careful, we will have walls of protection built up even against our spouse or children.  And certainly we do the same toward our God, but that isn’t what surrender looks like. 

I’m sure you are familiar with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.  It says, 

“Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” Doesn’t that sound an awfully lot like surrender?

Let’s look at this from another angle: At Calvary, God surrendered to His own creation, in a great display of love.  He didn't conquer us, although He surely could have. He didn’t even guard Himself.  Instead, He ‘offered Himself’ in the person of Jesus Christ. Though He was God, He humbled Himself and offered all that He is, to us. We crucified Him in return.  At that crucifixion, we displayed our 'love' for power more than our love for Him. Yet, He displayed love that we cannot even fathom, through His surrender.

Love is scary.  It can really hurt if it isn’t returned like we are giving it.  Love isn’t always easy. So we hide our hearts and guard our feelings, and sometimes even try to go after things, instead of opening ourselves up to possible hurt. 

If real love is surrender, and I believe that’s what it is.  Then it’s best displayed when we give it fully with no reservations.  I know that’s scary, but ‘perfect love casts out fear’.  When love is perfect, there is no fear of hurt.

God’s  love toward us is perfected.  We can see that by looking at Calvary, where He surrendered to us.  So we need not be afraid to surrender to Him.

In response to my request, "Teach us Lord to love you!"  He simply says, "Love is Surrender."  We say that we love the Lord with all our hearts, but have we really surrendered everything to Him?  Because that’s what love looks like.

If you want to know how much you really love Him, ask yourself this question.  Am I fully surrendered to the Lord?  And, if you want to know how much He loves you, ask yourself; “Did He fully surrender for me?” 

Love, my friend, is surrender.